Wood Fence Cost Per Foot
If you’re planning an outdoor project involving a wooden fence, knowing the wood fence cost per foot is your first step to budgeting confidently. At Cool Cat Fence, we help homeowners in the Seattle and Portland region understand the several factors that drive fence costs, what typical pricing looks like, and how to get a quality fence at an affordable upfront cost. This guide covers the cost per linear foot, material and labor costs, how fence height, materials, style, and site conditions affect the total price, and how you can budget effectively.
What Is the Average Wood Fence Cost Per Linear Foot?
When you’re measuring by linear foot (or per linear foot), you’re looking at the length of the fence. Recent data shows:
- According to one source, the average price for a basic wood fence ranges from about $20 to $50 per linear foot installed.
- For a true wood privacy fence in 2025, the cost per linear foot installed runs around $31.50 to $53.50 in many U.S. markets.
- A broader range from 2025 data for fence installation across types puts many wood fences in the $25 to $50 per linear foot range for materials and labor combined.
- For material cost alone (excluding labor), one estimate shows wood type cost per linear foot ranging from $1 to $15, depending on wood species and region.
These figures give you benchmarks, but your final amount will depend on your site, the fence style you choose, the wood species, your terrain challenges, and whether you include gates or extras.
Key Factors That Affect Price (Material and Labor Costs, Style, Height & More)
Several key factors influence the wood fence cost per linear foot, how the final cost breaks down, and why one job might cost significantly more than another.
Wood Type / Material Costs
The kind of wood you choose has a big impact on material costs and therefore total cost. For example:
- Lower-cost wood like pressure treated pine is usually the cheapest material option, so your material cost per linear foot is lower.
- Better wood types such as cedar, redwood, or tropical hardwoods increase the materials cost per linear foot and therefore the overall fence cost.
- Premium materials and high quality materials will raise the wood type cost but can add durability and curb appeal.
- Because material costs are only part of the equation, you’ll want to ask both materials cost and labor costs separately when getting quotes.
Fence Style, Fence Height, and Fence Posts
The fence style, especially the fence height, impact how much fencing material you need and how much labor is involved.
- A simple picket fence with shorter height uses less material and less labor than a full 6- to 8-foot tall privacy fence.
- Taller fences (for example 8 ft vs 6 ft) often cost more per linear foot because of more material, taller fence posts, deeper footings, and more labor.
- Higher-end design features like horizontal slats, decorative elements, rot board, or double gates also raise cost per linear foot.
Site Conditions, Labor Costs, and Specialized Equipment
Don’t overlook how the job site affects your fence cost per linear foot:
- If there’s significant site preparation, such as old fence removal, debris removal, steep slopes, limited access, or existing structures, your labor costs go up.
- Labor costs vary by region, contractor experience, and complexity. In more expensive markets, higher labor costs raise the overall cost per linear foot.
- Specialized equipment may be required for challenging terrain or site conditions, adding to additional labor and administrative costs.
Total Linear Footage, Gates, and Additional Costs
- The more linear feet your fence covers, the higher the total price. Sometimes longer fences reduce per-foot rates somewhat because of economies of scale, but not always if site issues exist.
- Adding double gates, decorative elements, or using premium posts or cap boards will increase the per linear foot cost.
- Don’t forget permit fees, local building department administrative costs, or additional features that impact the total cost above base material plus labor.
Regional and Market Conditions
- If you live in a region with high labor demand or high material prices, that raises the cost per linear foot.
- The fencing industry sees fluctuations in wood supply, regional pricing, and labor availability, all of which affect material and labor costs.
Real-World Examples of Wood Fence Cost Per Foot
Let’s walk through a few hypothetical scenarios based on recent data to illustrate how things add up.
Example 1: Basic Wood Privacy Fence
Imagine a backyard needing a 6-ft tall wood privacy fence, around 120 linear feet. Suppose you choose a mid-grade wood and standard style. If your installed cost is ~ $35 per linear foot, your total price is:
120 ft × $35/ft = $4,200 (materials + labor)
Example 2: Premium Hardwood Fence with Extras
Now imagine the same length, but you choose tropical hardwoods, larger fence posts, double gates, decorative trim, and site prep on a slope. Your cost per linear foot might run $50-$60. For 120 ft that’s:
120 ft × $55/ft = $6,600 (materials + labor + extras)
Example 3: Smaller Front Yard Picket Fence
Front yard, 80 linear feet, picket style, pressure treated pine, 4 ft height. Suppose you get a lower cost of $25 per linear foot. Then:
80 ft × $25/ft = $2,000
These examples show how fence cost per linear foot is a useful metric for budgeting and comparing quotes.
How to Calculate Your Fence Budget
A simple way to estimate your new wood fence cost is:
Total linear footage × estimated cost per linear foot = Estimated total price
Here’s how you can proceed:
- Measure how many linear feet your fence will need (for example 150 ft).
- Define your approximate cost per linear foot based on style and materials (for example $30/ft for basic, $50/ft for premium).
- Multiply: 150 ft × $30/ft = $4,500 estimated total cost.
- Add a contingency for extras like gates, site prep, permit fees, or steep slopes (for example +10-20%).
This allows you to budget accurately and compare multiple quotes.
Ways to Keep Your Wood Fence Cost Per Foot Lower Without Sacrificing Quality
Because you want that balance of affordable price and quality fence, here are smart strategies:
- Choose a simpler style with standard height rather than the highest height or most intricate design.
- Use a good grade of wood rather than the most premium exotic hardwoods unless that’s essential for your aesthetic or lifespan.
- Ensure the site conditions are optimized: clear the path, remove old fencing early, handle grading or steep slopes before install.
- Ask your fence company for transparent pricing, separate out labor, materials, and extras so you know what you’re paying for.
- Plan gates and decorative features at the same time rather than adding them later (which increases higher labor costs).
- Ask for a free estimate from a reputable local fence company so you can compare the cost per linear foot installed across bids.
Wood Fence vs Other Fence Types – How Cost Per Linear Foot Compares
It’s worth seeing how wood fences stack up against other materials when viewed on a cost-per-foot basis. Based on recent data:
- Chain link fences: one source shows around $20-$35 per linear foot.
- Vinyl fences: often $30-$55 per linear foot installed depending on height and design.
- Wood fences remain competitive especially if you value aesthetic appeal, natural finish, and curb appeal.
- Metal fences or wrought iron may cost significantly more per linear foot, so wood offers good value when well installed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wood Fence Cost Per Foot
What’s the cheapest wood for fencing?
Typically pressure treated pine is the most affordable wood option, so your material cost is lower, but it may require more maintenance over time.
Does fence height affect the cost per linear foot?
Yes, taller fences use more material and more labor, which increases the cost per linear foot.
What does old fence removal cost add to the price?
Removing an old fence adds labor, debris removal, and disposal costs, increasing the total cost per linear foot.
How many linear feet should I expect for my yard?
Measure along your fence line – total linear footage is the sum of all sides where the fence will go.
What’s included in a “per linear foot installed” cost?
That typically includes materials, fence posts, rails, panels, standard labor for professional installation, but may exclude gates, decorative features, or permit fees.
How can I budget accurately for my wood fence?
Use the formula: total linear footage × estimated cost per linear foot + contingency for extras. Get multiple quotes, compare the per-foot rates, and ensure what’s included.
Are DIY installation options significantly cheaper per foot?
DIY can reduce labor costs, but you’ll still pay for materials and may incur additional time or risk if you don’t install professionally. Sometimes the savings are less than expected once you include equipment rental, time, and possible mistakes.
Why Choose Cool Cat Fence for Your Wood Fence Project
At Cool Cat Fence our focus is on delivering a quality fence, clear communication, and fair pricing. When you work with us you’ll get:
- Local expertise in the Seattle & Portland markets where labor and terrain matter.
- Transparent breakdowns of wood fence cost per foot, labor costs, and total price per linear foot so you know what you’re paying.
- Options for wood fence styles tailored to your home’s aesthetic, yard size, terrain, and budget.
- A commitment to long-lasting construction designed for the Pacific Northwest climate.
- Free estimate so you get an accurate estimate and know what affects the price.
When you’re ready to build your new fence, we’ll help you understand exactly how many linear feet you need, estimate the cost per linear foot based on your style and features, and build a fence that offers lasting value and curb appeal.
